Refugio is a wonderful environment for human and animal
life. Over the years, a balanced ecosystem has been developing which
allows for life of all forms, respecting the natural system of nature and the delicate
balance that is part of life meeting life. At REFUGIO, things are grown
traditionally - no artificially produced chemicals or other materials are
used to fertilize or treat the land, water, or other systems used by the
residents. Cleaning and cooking supplies and other materials used at
the camp are ecologically sound and biodegradable. Plants and animals
co-exist with little human intrusion. As a result, several species of
vegetation and animal life have returned to this part of the valley and
are flourishing in this refuge. Chachalacas nest in the anacua trees;
mosquitoes, though prevalent in the wet season, are less prevalent
because of the re-entry of other predatory insects. Recently, muskrats
have been sighted in the pond; frogs and fish live together with the
ducks and geese. Huge flocks of egrets are seen resting on the
cattails, we enjoy daily visits by a Great Blue Heron and various species of birds
and other animals can be seen all over the camp. The refugees and
volunteers co-exist with nature, appreciating it for what it is and serving
as good stewards of these gifts.

As life and death are a part of humanity's existence, so it is in the entire
animal kingdom. In two weeks this fall, we lost a horse, a cow, a goose, a duck, a dove
and a pecan tree. Yet we also planted new trees, cleared some areas of weeds so they
could be accessible and enjoyed again, saw the migration of butterflies from the
north and birds from across the country. Life, death, and life are daily activities
at REFUGIO, not only in the sense of human and animal existence, but also in the
sense of interpersonal and intrapersonal life. At REFUGIO, everything and everyone
is constantly evolving into what we can be. Persons are encouraged to explore their
limits and their capacities while at REFUGIO in an affirming environment. For those
new to this country the challenge may be to realize that life here is also hard,
and getting started all over again is difficult. Legal cases,language training,
educational demands, job training and searching are all a part of what must happen
when one comes here. For those who are already citizens, it is also difficult.
Sharing in community, teaching, learning, recovering, training and retraining
are a part of the adjustment.

In REFUGIO we depend on one another for the sustaining of the environment in
which we live. All of us are becoming ecologists, all are becoming horticulturists,
all are becoming nature lovers, and all are strugglers along the way. In this beautiful
and hard environment, new life happens every day.